technicality

noun

tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈka-lə-tē 

plural technicalities

1

: something technical

especially : a detail meaningful only to a specialist

a legal technicality

2

: the quality or state of being technical

Examples of technicality in a Sentence

These cases were dropped because of legal technicalities.

Recent Examples on the Web

The precision, the technicality, the painting of that picture was incredible. —Lynette Rice, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2025

But the law had not been tested in court, and plaintiffs have faced setbacks due to technicalities and the time lapse. —Nora Gamez Torres, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

Hernandez has no criminal record beyond that technicality, but faced deportation nevertheless. —Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025

The Chiefs’ pass rush was non-existent, bringing Justin Herbert to the ground only once in the 21 dropbacks — and that came on a technicality. —Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

technical entry 1 + -ity

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for technicality

• abnormality
• cardinality
• commonality
• communality
• cordiality
• corporeality
• criminality
• criticality
• functionality
• generality
• geniality
• hospitality

Kids Definition

technicality

noun

tech·​ni·​cal·​i·​ty ˌtek-nə-ˈkal-ət-ē 

plural technicalities

1

: something technical

especially : a detail that means something only to a specialist

a legal technicality

2

: the quality or state of being technical